Do not trust the "Hackers are watching you!" message on a deceptive page
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
How to remove apps that promote the Hackers are watching you! scam?
What is Hackers are watching you! scam?
There are many deceptive websites using scare tactics to trick unsuspecting visitors into downloading and installing some potentially unwanted application (PUA). Usually, these websites display fake virus notifications claiming that a device is infected with a certain number of viruses and urging to remove those viruses as soon as possible. These pages may show different notifications, however, none of them are real. It is worthwhile to mention that usually these pages are promoted through deceptive advertisements, shady websites or PUAs. In other words, users do not visit them intentionally.
This deceptive website is designed to look like Apple security page, it displays a fake notification saying that the iPhone's Internet connection has been hacked and someone is spying on the user. Moreover, it says that if the user does not fix this problem within two minutes, then the hacker will reveal his/her identity and send browsing history and all the photos taken with the front camera to all contacts. In order to protect the connection (stop the hacker from spying on the user), this page urges the visitor to tap the "Protect your connection" button and install the offered app. It is important to mention that deceptive websites like this one can be used to advertise legitimate applications that are available on App Store. However, deceptive pages cannot be trusted even when they promote legitimate apps. As mentioned in the first paragraph, users do not visit pages that use scare tactics to promote apps on purpose, and one of the reasons why browsers open pages of this kind is because they have some PUA installed on them.
It is common for potentially unwanted applications to promote deceptive pages and gather IP addresses, websites of visited pages, entered search queries, geolocations, etc., or even personal information. Usually, they are designed to collect information so that their developers could monetize it in one or another way, for example, by selling obtained data to third parties (potentially cybercriminals). Also, PUAs can be designed to generate advertisements such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, or other ads. Typically, their ads are used to promote untrustworthy websites or distribute (download, install) unwanted applications. Users who have apps of this type installed on their browsers or computers should remove them as soon as possible.
| Name | Hackers are watching you! pop-up |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Fake Claim | Internet connection has been hacked/someone is tracking a device |
| Related Domain | securitycheck[.]network |
| Serving IP Address (securitycheck[.]network) | 104.21.28.144 |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More examples of deceptive websites using scare tactics to trick visitors into downloading and installing some application are phone-security[.]me, protect-connection[.]com and support-notify[.]space. Usually, the only main differences between these pages are the number or viruses they claim to have detected on a device and the app they urge visitors to download and install. In one way or another, fake virus alerts can be safely ignored. It is noteworthy that these pages promote mostly VPN clients. Although, they may be used to promote adware, browser hijackers, or other PUAs too.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
In some cases, users cause unwanted downloads, installations by clicking deceptive advertisements. More precisely, by clicking on ads that are designed to execute certain scripts. Ads of this kind appear mainly on questionable websites. Although, it is more common for users to download or install PUAs when these apps come bundled together with other programs: when potentially unwanted apps are included in downloaders or installers setups as additional offers and users knowingly or unknowingly agree to them. Usually, bundled apps can be opted out using "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar settings or by unticking checkboxes. Users agree to offers to download or install PUAs when they leave these settings unchanged.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Applications should be downloaded and installed only through the App Store. It is not safe to use other sources for downloading or installing apps such as third-party downloaders, installers, unofficial pages, Peer-to-Peer networks, and so on. Downloads and installations should not be finished without declining unwanted offers. It applies to downloaders, installers that come bundled with other, potentially unwanted applications. Advertisements on questionable web pages should not be clicked. It is common that by clicking those ads, users allow them to open shady pages or start unwanted downloads or even installations. Additionally, there should not be any unwanted, unknown, suspicious extensions, plug-ins, or add-ons installed on a browser or apps of this kind installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Text in the fake virus message:
Apple security
Hackers are watching you!
Your iPhone connection has been hacked and someone is watching on you! Please do not close this page. If you don't fix this in two minutes, the hacker will reveal your identity and send your browsing history and front-facing camera photos to everyone in your contacts!
Recovery method:
Step 1: Click the "Connection Protection" button below.
Step 2: You will be redirected to the App Store.
Step 3: Install and run the recommended protection app to recover your iPhone.
Protect your connection
To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:
First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".
Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".
Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is Hackers are watching you! scam?
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX", "NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove hackers are watching you! pop-up related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Hackers are watching you! pop-up removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove hackers are watching you! pop-up related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove hackers are watching you! pop-up related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove hackers are watching you! pop-up related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Outstanding!
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